Michael Chandler confident he can dethrone Islam Makhachev: ‘Styles make fights…I win this one’

Michael Chandler confident he can dethrone Islam Makhachev: 'Styles make fights…I win this one'Michael Chandler believes his balls-to-the-wall style of fighting can dethrone lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev. For more than a…

Michael Chandler confident he can dethrone Islam Makhachev: 'Styles make fights…I win this one'

Michael Chandler believes his balls-to-the-wall style of fighting can dethrone lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev.

For more than a year, the former Bellator MMA titleholder has been gearing up for a fabled fight with Irish megastar Conor McGregor. Unfortunately, we’re no closer to seeing that fight happen today than we were in early 2023.

Perhaps feeling a little frustrated by his lengthy layoff, Chandler has seemingly taken aim at Makhachev, but only after the champ suggested that ‘Iron’ stop sitting around waiting for McGregor to return.

“Thanks for the unsolicited advice @MAKHACHEVMMA – I sleep just fine at night…I have a plan and you’re part of it, champ,” Chandler wrote on X, responding to Makhachev’s suggestion.”

Michael Chandler

After calling out the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ on social media, fans were quick to comment, suggesting Chandler was making a big mistake by going after the lightweight “king.”

“Styles make fights…I win this one,” Chandler confidently replied.

Islam Makhachev has chosen his next opponent and it’s not Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler could be angling for a fight with Makhachev with much of the lightweight division’s top contenders i.e. Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira booked elsewhere.

Makhachev made it clear that he wants to fight this summer, regardless of who it comes against. The champ’s top choice appears to be Dustin Poirier, who is coming off a highlight-reel finish against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. ‘The Diamond’ is only 2-2 in his last four, but could potentially walk into his third title opportunity given the busy state of the division.

Makhachev sends a message to Dustin Poirier

Islam Makhachev has defended his lightweight title twice since scoring a submission victory over Charles Oliveira to claim the belt at UFC 280. However, both of his defenses came against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovksi.

Michael Chandler sends warning threat to Islam Makhachev: ‘I have a plan and you’re part of it, champ’

Michael Chandler sends warning threat to Islam Makhachev I have a plan and you're part of it champMichael Chandler may be sticking to his guns and patiently awaiting a fight with UFC star, Conor McGregor, however,…

Michael Chandler sends warning threat to Islam Makhachev I have a plan and you're part of it champ

Michael Chandler may be sticking to his guns and patiently awaiting a fight with UFC star, Conor McGregor, however, that hasn’t stopped the Missouri native from chasing a future title challenge with incumbent gold holder, Islam Makhachev.

Chandler, the current number six ranked lightweight contender, remains sidelined since 2022, in a period which saw him compete an impressive five times inside the Octagon since his debut in the organization just the January of the year prior.

Awaiting a long-drawn out fight with former two-weight champion, McGregor, Chandler, a former three-time Bellator MMA lightweight kingpin has yet to fight since he dropped a third round rear-naked choke loss to recent UFC 299 victor, Poirier at Madison Square Garden in the pair’s grudge match.

Michael Chandler agrees to fight Conor McGregor at UFC 300 I accept see you soon
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Competing for a lightweight crown during that five fight stretch, Kill Cliff FC staple, Chandler – who has proven a favorable asset to the Dana White-led organization, was stopped with a brutal come-from-behind knockout from Charles Oliveira in the pair’s vacant title pairing. 

Islam Makhachev receives warning from Michael Chandler

Maintaining he is the kryptonite to current champion, Makhachev due to his own wrestling pedigree, Chandler claimed he still plans to stand across from the Russian in the near future in another title siege.

Michael Chandler confirms he's entered camp for fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 302
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Thanks for the unsolicited advice @MAKHACHEVMMA – I sleep just fine at night… I have a plan and you’re part of it, champ,” Michael Chandler posted on his official X account today.

Himself yet to make the walk since October of last year, pound-for-pound king, Makhachev has been sidelined since he ended his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski with a hellacious opening round high-kick KO win.

Turning down a UFC 300 return in a monstrous main event welterweight title charge against Leon Edwards due to his participation in the religious period of Ramadan, Makhachev has sights on a June return to the Octagon, instead.

Islam Makhachev backed to retire from the UFC by end of next year he's cleared out 155 pounds
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And in terms of potential opponents, the American Kickboxing Academy has sounded out a fight with the aforenoted, Poirier – who is fresh from a KO win over Benoit Saint-Denis earlier this month – candidly taking notice of his patented guillotine choke chases.

Who wins in a potential future fight: Islam Makhachev or Michael Chandler?

Islam Makhachev explains why he turned down UFC 300 title fight against Leon Edwards

Islam MakhachevIslam Makhachev turned down the chance to headline one of the biggest UFC events ever. Next month, UFC 300…

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev turned down the chance to headline one of the biggest UFC events ever.

Next month, UFC 300 will be headlined by a light heavyweight title tilt pitting reigning and defending champion Alex Pereira against former titleholder Jamahal Hill. In the weeks preceding the big announcement, multiple fighters were rumored to step into the main event spotlight next month, including Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, and Jon ‘Bones Jones’

Islam Makhachev

Among those top names was current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who revealed that UFC CEO Dana White came calling with an opportunity to move up and challenge Leon Edwards for welterweight gold.

“Honestly, yes, but it’s not possible, man,” Makhachev said when asked if he was offered the spot while speaking with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “Because we have Ramadan now. One month with fasting, and it’s not possible to do training in Ramadan. It’s very hard. You have to fast when the sun rises, and all day you have to fast. … Training this time is very hard.”

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev eyeing fight with Dustin Poirier

Considered the holiest month on the Islamic calendar, Ramadan runs from March 10 through April 9. With UFC 300 scheduled to go down on April 13, there simply wasn’t enough time for the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ to prepare himself for such an important opportunity.

“Of course (it makes me sad), this is a dream fight for me,” Makhachev said. “I don’t have any small chance to fight at UFC 300, that’s why I’m very upset, man. It’s a big deal, big fight with Leon Edwards for the second belt, but this time I miss the chance.”

Though the timeline for UFC 300 did not work out, Makhachev hopes that he can book himself a fight this summer. With both Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira already booked, Makhachev has been angling for a fight with former interim champion Dustin Poirier. The Diamond’ is fresh off a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 on March 9.

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“I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now,” Makhachev said. “Everybody is busy. I want to fight. I want to fight three times this year. I have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now. He showed an excellent performance and scored a beautiful knockout. He’s free now, he’s healthy, and I asked him to fight in June.”

Check out the full interview with Islam Makhachev below:

Islam Makhachev eyes June title fight with Dustin Poirier after UFC 299: ‘He has a good guillotine’

Islam Makhachev eyes June title fight with Dustin Poirier after UFC 299 he has a good guillotineIslam Makhachev has welcomed the prospect of a June title showdown with UFC 299 big winner, Dustin Poirier –…

Islam Makhachev eyes June title fight with Dustin Poirier after UFC 299 he has a good guillotine

Islam Makhachev has welcomed the prospect of a June title showdown with UFC 299 big winner, Dustin Poirier – claiming the Lafayette native possesses a good guillotine choke in response to his call out for a summer championship fight.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter on the promotion’s books, has been sidelined since last October, most recently turning in a blistering first round high-kick and strikes knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s title rematch.

Islam Makhachev set to fight twice this year ahead of expected UFC return
Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacece

As for Poirier, the Louisianan co-headlined UFC 299 last weekend in Miami, landing an impressive second round KO win over surging French contender, Benoit Saint-Denis – after battling through some notable adversity, and apparent fatigue, according to veteran caller, Joe Rogan.

Islam Makhachev calls for Dustin Poirier title fight next

Receiving an almost immediate offer Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz of a June title fight against his client, Poirier has welcomed the prospect of fighting the dominant Russian calling out the former for a June showdown next. 

Dustin Poirier calls for title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after shocking KO win at UFC 299
Mandatory Credit: Megan Briggs

“I know Dustin (Poirier) does not deserve a title fight, but we don’t have any [other] option right now,” Islam Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “Everybody is busy, but I want to fight, you know? I want to fight three times in the year, that’s why I just have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now. And he showed an excellent performance, and scored a beautiful knockout. …”

“He’s a legend, he’s beat a lot of tough guys,” Islam Makhachev said. “And he’s a tough opponent, too. He has a good guillotine.” 

Sidelined through the coming months amid his participation in the religious period of Ramadan, Makhachev was rumored to fight for welterweight gold at UFC 300 next month – in a monstrous fight against undisputed gold holder, Leon Edwards, ultimately to no avail. 

Who wins in a potential June title fight: Dustin Poirier or Islam Makhachev?

Dustin Poirier previews future title fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘Maybe I’ll submit him with a guillotine’

Dustin Poirier previews title fight with Islam Makhachev maybe I'll submit him with a guillotineFormer interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has once again campaigned for a title fight with undisputed divisional gold holder,…

Dustin Poirier previews title fight with Islam Makhachev maybe I'll submit him with a guillotine

Former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has once again campaigned for a title fight with undisputed divisional gold holder, Islam Makhachev – after receiving an offer to fight the Russian as soon as June, off the back of his knockout win over Benoit Saint-Denis over the weekend at UFC 299.

Poirier, the current number three ranked lightweight contender, co-headlined UFC 299 over the course of the weekend in Miami, turning back the surging Nimes native, Saint-Denis with a huge second round KO – after battling through massive adversity throughout the opening round.

Fighting off numerous submission attempts from the streaking French prospect, Poirier managed to wobble and bring Saint-Denis to one knee with a cleverly-placed uppercut in close, before then cannoning off a huge right hook counter, knocking out the Frenchman in front of a raucous crowd at the Kaseya Center.

Dustin Poirier UFC 299 2
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And receiving an outright offer from Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz to fight his client, Makhachev in an undisputed lightweight title fight as soon as June – Poirier himself then called out the pound-for-pound kingpin for a summer title showdown.

Dustin Poirier previews Islam Makahchev title fight

Receiving backing from promotional CEO, Dana White, who claimed the Lafayette native’s stardom reached a new level off the back of his win over Saint-Denis, which he described as “legendary”, Poirier claimed he may line up an almost patented guillotine choke attempt on the Russian should they meet next.

“I’ll never stop jumping guillotines either,” Dustin Poirier told MMA Fighting. “But, he (Benoit Saint-Denis) never took me down neither. I took myself down like five times.”

“I don’t know, I need to stop [attempting guillotine chokes], but I will never,” Dustin Poirier said defiantly. “Yeah, I hit it a lot [during training], I hit it a lot, I put people unconscious – never in a fight though. Maybe I’ll submit Islam (Makhachev) with it.”

Islam Makhachev set to fight twice this year ahead of expected UFC return
Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacece

Himself sidelined since October of last year, Makhachev most recently headlined UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE – landing a blistering first round high-kick knockout win over former undisputed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s rematch.

Can Dustin Poirier end the title run of the dominant Islam Makhachev?

Dustin Poirier calls for Islam Makhachev title battle in June after shocking KO win at UFC 299

Dustin Poirier calls for title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after shocking KO win at UFC 299After a stunning victory at UFC 299 over Benoit St. Denis, Dustin Poirier may have casually dropped major fight…

Dustin Poirier calls for title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after shocking KO win at UFC 299

After a stunning victory at UFC 299 over Benoit St. Denis, Dustin Poirier may have casually dropped major fight news on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Dustin Poirier was as big as a +184 underdog leading into the matchup, while fans, media, and fellow fighters highly criticized that line. The fight itself was a complete war. Benoit St. Denis pursued ‘The Diamond’ relentlessly, and at times it was all Poirier could do to cover up and weather the storm.

The Diamond’ kept jumping for guillotines and placing himself in bad positions on the ground, but his wrestling and jiu-jitsu game spoke for itself. Each time Poirier landed in those spots, he would go on to defend very well.

In the second round, Poirier could almost touch St. Denis at will, and St. Denis did not take his power well at all. Each shot seemed to stumble the ‘God of War’, and eventually, Poirier’s pure power and accuracy sealed the deal and landed him another stunning KO finish to add to the collection.

Dustin Poirier UFC 299 2
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier Casually Hints At Potential Big Fight News

After the monumental victory, Dustin Poirier wasted no time before letting the fight world in on his potential next move. Responding to Makhachev’s manager who first offered the fight on X, Poirier would seemingly confirm the fight on his own channel.

Dustin Poirier offered title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after UFC 299 win
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Islam in June,” Poirier posted on X. Nothing less, and nothing more. Of course, this is not proof in itself of the fight coming to fruition. Such things are often bantered about, and Poirier would no doubt love to end his career as a UFC champion. However, could one speculate that the matchup itself makes a lot of sense? Yes, absolutely.

Dustin Poirier, despite his age, remains one of the greatest lightweights in the UFC’s history. A fight with Islam Makhachev is almost destined to be, especially when factoring in Poirier’s history with Khabib Nurmagomedov (who is like a brother to Islam).

Islam Makhachev sidelined through the summer amid injury from UFC
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Regardless of what happens, a fight between the two would be of monumental proportions. While not inked in stone, it could be safe to assume the fight will be a done deal sooner, rather than later.

Who would you like to see Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against?